Apple to Sell Software via Software Update?

MacRumors · 08:48 PM

Embedded in one of the configuration files of Panther's Software Update is evidence that Apple has planned for the implementation of a new feature for Software Update: Selling Software. In addition, it appears Apple also plans on offering discounts on the sales to current .Mac subscribers.

The Software Update's English.lproj Localizable.strings file includes the following messages:

A 1-Click account is required to purchase software.
To purchase software, you need an Apple account with 1-Click ordering enabled. If you don't have an Apple account, you can create one in just a few minutes by clicking Set Up.

Save ?? with a .Mac membership.
.Mac members enjoy free or discounted pricing on software. Click Set Up to make sure your member name and password are correct, or sign up for a .Mac membership. Click Continue if you don't want a .Mac membership now.

Longstanding rumors have hinted that Apple will be revamping Software Update to allow 3rd party developers to provide their own updates through the Apple utility. It's unclear if purchasable software would be limited to Apple's own selections or opened to 3rd party developers as well.

Full Path: /System/Library/CoreServices/Software Update.app/Contents/Resources/English.lproj/Localizable.strings

alset · Dec 20, 2003, 08:45 PM

Extend the one-click system into every place you can, and you have a lot of happy customers emptying their wallets.

I'd use this as much as I use iTMS (very frequently).

Dan

btw - All those who say they don't get enough for their money with .Mac are insane. I LOVE what Apple is doing for my business.

Jerry Spoon · Dec 20, 2003, 08:47 PM

With download speeds on the rise, this makes sense to me. Save me a trip to the store and make it convenient. Just hope the interface is simple. Knowing Apple, it will be.

TomSmithMacEd · Dec 20, 2003, 08:55 PM

This sounds like a good idea, if they gave a discount to everyone. Just think how much cheaper it would be for them to not have to ship it.

Flowbee · Dec 20, 2003, 09:07 PM

Oooh... I want that $99 Final Cut Express deal, but I don't want to have to buy a new Mac to get it. Bring it on!

ITR 81 · Dec 20, 2003, 09:07 PM

Sounds good to me.

KLFloyd · Dec 20, 2003, 09:15 PM

There would also need to be an easy way for users to make a backup copy of their downloaded software for when they need to reinstall. And Backup is not the solution. I've never had success with that program, Carbon Copy Cloner is far superior.

Other than that I'm all for it. I'd like to be getting a little more bang for my $99 .mac membership, right now my .mac email is really the only reason I keep it around as all my friends and family have that address.

Squire · Dec 20, 2003, 09:25 PM

Great idea. I agree that they'd need a good policy in cases where people lost their program, though. Probably just a serial number. Out of curiosity, I wonder how large the downloads would be. Would this apply to all programs or just the smaller ones?

I hope this service won't be limited to American customers. I'd love to get even more out of my .Mac membership.

Squire

Mr.Hey · Dec 20, 2003, 09:27 PM

S-UD allows you to download to the desktop instead of direct install; just take those files and burn them to CD-Rs.

aldo · Dec 20, 2003, 09:33 PM

Well lets hope they can do it internationally unlike pretty much every 'buy within the OS' feature in OSX. iPhoto, iTunes etc all are US only and Apple needs to fix this fast.

I hope that Apple also allows open source, free, tools to be sent over Software Update (but surely it will have a new name if it allows new software to be installed?). I doubt this though - Apple's policy on open-source seems to be 'only use if very necessary or we save serious money', however, they do contribute back so they are not too evil :P.

Powerbook G5 · Dec 20, 2003, 09:38 PM

I just hope this doesn't make SWU a bloated mess.

Billicus · Dec 20, 2003, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Powerbook G5
I just hope this doesn't make SWU a bloated mess.

Exactly. Hopefully it'll just be a seperate tab for purchasing software rather than updating purchased software.

SoGood · Dec 20, 2003, 09:50 PM

This is just a logical extension of all existing infrastructure for Apple. Most expected.
Keep it up!

McToast · Dec 20, 2003, 09:52 PM

Horrible. Just wait till Apple starts charging for OS updates, QuickTime Updates, iApp updates....

Oh you think they won't? Remember iTools? Do ya?

stingerman · Dec 20, 2003, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by KLFloyd
There would also need to be an easy way for users to make a backup copy of their downloaded software for when they need to reinstall. And Backup is not the solution. I've never had success with that program, Carbon Copy Cloner is far superior.

Other than that I'm all for it. I'd like to be getting a little more bang for my $99 .mac membership, right now my .mac email is really the only reason I keep it around as all my friends and family have that address.

There already is by means of Apple's Disk imaging technology already built in to OS X. Just take an image and burn it to a CD/DVD-R. Apple can of course put a nice Jukebox type interface on it and I'd suspect they would add their DRM authorization technology.

stingerman · Dec 20, 2003, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by McToast
Horrible. Just wait till Apple starts charging for OS updates, QuickTime Updates, iApp updates....

Oh you think they won't? Remember iTools? Do ya?

They are talking about Apps you can currently buy in the Apple Store.

McToast · Dec 20, 2003, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by stingerman
They are talking about Apps you can currently buy in the Apple Store.

You mean they are currently talking about apps that you can currently buy in the Apple Store.

latergator116 · Dec 20, 2003, 10:19 PM

Sounds stupid to me. The software update is to update software, not to purchase software. If you want to buy software:a. make a seperate app to specificaly do that, or b: go to the store

dukemeiser · Dec 20, 2003, 10:19 PM

This would probably be in competition with services like Kagi. But I like the idea, and it would be a revenue source for Apple. They could take a cut of every copy of software they distribute.

Raiden · Dec 20, 2003, 10:28 PM

This has alot of promice.

I think it will be awesome.

mac15 · Dec 20, 2003, 10:29 PM

McToast, I don't Apple would start charging for iTunes and Quicktime (yes they have QT pro but thats a feature update). Only major OS updates will be pay updates, not minor ones.

I think it'd be a great idea, bundle it in via webcore. And Apple certainly know how to hand out MBs. But I'm sure if this would increase piracy. Unless Apps sudden;y have DRMs

Mr.Hey · 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by McToast
Horrible. Just wait till Apple starts charging for OS updates, QuickTime Updates, iApp updates....

Oh you think they won't? Remember iTools? Do ya?

Oh I see how you came to this conclusion and although not entirely impossible I don't think this is what it means.

There are users who could use the efficiency of direct download rather then wait several days for it to arrive by snail-mail.

And in my opinion would be a great idea. Websites like versiontracker.com are fine but nothing like the ease of use of the one click system exactly like iTMS but for developers.

Powerbook G5 · Dec 20, 2003, 10:36 PM

I think this should be a separate application or component and not SWU, though. Software Update is for updating system software, not an electronic retail store. It already does a fantastic job at what it is, so I don't want to see it being cluttered with extra features that aren't a part of what software update is there to accomplish. If Apple wants an Apple Store built into Mac OS X, that is great, but make it a separate entity and don't let it clutter something dedicated like SWU.

zim · Dec 20, 2003, 10:38 PM

I really like this idea, Macromedia currently offers the ability to purchase their software through their online store as a download. I wonder if our .mac accounts would serialize them? meaning that we would no longer have serial numbers because this would be a way for apple to control legal rights, if so, I hope that they allow instillation on 3 computers just like the music, which would mean altering their EUL.

bousozoku · Dec 20, 2003, 10:44 PM

Maybe this has something to do with the Purchase Mac OS X Software... Apple menu item that's been missing since Panther arrived. I only tried it once and I can't imagine anyone else using it much more than that.

While Software Update does not sound exactly like the proper place, it's also doesn't sound completely wrong either.

Dec 20, 2003, 08:42 PM	#1
MacRumors macrumors bot Join Date: Apr 2001	Apple to Sell Software via Software Update? Embedded in one of the configuration files of Panther's Software Update is evidence that Apple has planned for the implementation of a new feature for Software Update: Selling Software. In addition, it appears Apple also plans on offering discounts on the sales to current .Mac subscribers. The Software Update's English.lproj Localizable.strings file includes the following messages: A 1-Click account is required to purchase software. To purchase software, you need an Apple account with 1-Click ordering enabled. If you don't have an Apple account, you can create one in just a few minutes by clicking Set Up. Save ?? with a .Mac membership. .Mac members enjoy free or discounted pricing on software. Click Set Up to make sure your member name and password are correct, or sign up for a .Mac membership. Click Continue if you don't want a .Mac membership now. Longstanding rumors have hinted that Apple will be revamping Software Update to allow 3rd party developers to provide their own updates through the Apple utility. It's unclear if purchasable software would be limited to Apple's own selections or opened to 3rd party developers as well. Full Path: /System/Library/CoreServices/Software Update.app/Contents/Resources/English.lproj/Localizable.strings Last edited by arn : Dec 20, 2003 at 08:48 PM.

Dec 20, 2003, 08:45 PM	#2
alset macrumors 65816 Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: East Bay, CA	Brilliant Extend the one-click system into every place you can, and you have a lot of happy customers emptying their wallets. I'd use this as much as I use iTMS (very frequently). Dan btw - All those who say they don't get enough for their money with .Mac are insane. I LOVE what Apple is doing for my business. __________________ alsetmusic.com standing on the shoulders of giants....

Dec 20, 2003, 08:47 PM	#3
Jerry Spoon macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Historic St. Charles	With download speeds on the rise, this makes sense to me. Save me a trip to the store and make it convenient. Just hope the interface is simple. Knowing Apple, it will be. __________________ "These days, new digital music download services are becoming more common than spare AOL CDs."

Dec 20, 2003, 08:55 PM	#4
TomSmithMacEd macrumors 6502 Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Fargo, ND	This sounds like a good idea, if they gave a discount to everyone. Just think how much cheaper it would be for them to not have to ship it. __________________ Erik Myxter Erik.Myxter@sendit.nodak.edu aim: thinlayorofpole http://www.xanga.com/erikmyxter Looking for a powerbook.

Dec 20, 2003, 09:07 PM	#5
Flowbee macrumors 68030 Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Alameda, CA	Oooh... I want that $99 Final Cut Express deal, but I don't want to have to buy a new Mac to get it. Bring it on! __________________ Podophile.com >> Home of Nike+iPod hacks and FAQs.

Dec 20, 2003, 09:07 PM	#6
ITR 81 macrumors 65816 Join Date: Oct 2003	Sounds good to me.

Dec 20, 2003, 09:15 PM	#7
KLFloyd macrumors regular Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Gainesville, FL	There would also need to be an easy way for users to make a backup copy of their downloaded software for when they need to reinstall. And Backup is not the solution. I've never had success with that program, Carbon Copy Cloner is far superior. Other than that I'm all for it. I'd like to be getting a little more bang for my $99 .mac membership, right now my .mac email is really the only reason I keep it around as all my friends and family have that address. __________________ Katie 2.0 GHz MacBook (Black) 5th Gen. iPod Apple TV Proud Mac User since 1984

Dec 20, 2003, 09:25 PM	#8
Squire macrumors 68000 Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Canada	Great idea. I agree that they'd need a good policy in cases where people lost their program, though. Probably just a serial number. Out of curiosity, I wonder how large the downloads would be. Would this apply to all programs or just the smaller ones? I hope this service won't be limited to American customers. I'd love to get even more out of my .Mac membership. Squire __________________ "Society often forgives the criminal; it never forgives the dreamer." - Oscar Wilde

Dec 20, 2003, 09:27 PM	#9
Mr.Hey macrumors 6502 Join Date: Jul 2002	S-UD allows you to download to the desktop instead of direct install; just take those files and burn them to CD-Rs.

Dec 20, 2003, 09:33 PM	#10
aldo macrumors regular Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: England, UK	Well lets hope they can do it internationally unlike pretty much every 'buy within the OS' feature in OSX. iPhoto, iTunes etc all are US only and Apple needs to fix this fast. I hope that Apple also allows open source, free, tools to be sent over Software Update (but surely it will have a new name if it allows new software to be installed?). I doubt this though - Apple's policy on open-source seems to be 'only use if very necessary or we save serious money', however, they do contribute back so they are not too evil :P.

Dec 20, 2003, 09:38 PM	#11
Powerbook G5 macrumors 68040 Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: St Augustine, FL	I just hope this doesn't make SWU a bloated mess. __________________ iMac, therefore, iAm.

Dec 20, 2003, 09:50 PM	#13
SoGood macrumors member Join Date: Apr 2003	Logical This is just a logical extension of all existing infrastructure for Apple. Most expected. Keep it up!

Dec 20, 2003, 09:52 PM	#14
McToast Banned Join Date: Oct 2003	Horrible. Just wait till Apple starts charging for OS updates, QuickTime Updates, iApp updates.... Oh you think they won't? Remember iTools? Do ya?

Dec 20, 2003, 10:19 PM	#18
latergator116 macrumors 68000 Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Providence, RI	Sounds stupid to me. The software update is to update software, not to purchase software. If you want to buy software:a. make a seperate app to specificaly do that, or b: go to the store

Dec 20, 2003, 10:19 PM	#19
dukemeiser macrumors 6502a Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Iowa	This would probably be in competition with services like Kagi. But I like the idea, and it would be a revenue source for Apple. They could take a cut of every copy of software they distribute.

Dec 20, 2003, 10:28 PM	#20
Raiden macrumors regular Join Date: Jun 2002	This has alot of promice. I think it will be awesome.

Dec 20, 2003, 10:29 PM	#21
mac15 macrumors 68040 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Sydney	McToast, I don't Apple would start charging for iTunes and Quicktime (yes they have QT pro but thats a feature update). Only major OS updates will be pay updates, not minor ones. I think it'd be a great idea, bundle it in via webcore. And Apple certainly know how to hand out MBs. But I'm sure if this would increase piracy. Unless Apps sudden;y have DRMs __________________ Check out my guiKitting at the theflanneleffect

Dec 20, 2003, 10:36 PM	#23
Powerbook G5 macrumors 68040 Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: St Augustine, FL	I think this should be a separate application or component and not SWU, though. Software Update is for updating system software, not an electronic retail store. It already does a fantastic job at what it is, so I don't want to see it being cluttered with extra features that aren't a part of what software update is there to accomplish. If Apple wants an Apple Store built into Mac OS X, that is great, but make it a separate entity and don't let it clutter something dedicated like SWU. __________________ iMac, therefore, iAm.

Dec 20, 2003, 10:38 PM	#24
zim macrumors 65816 Join Date: Jan 2002	I really like this idea, Macromedia currently offers the ability to purchase their software through their online store as a download. I wonder if our .mac accounts would serialize them? meaning that we would no longer have serial numbers because this would be a way for apple to control legal rights, if so, I hope that they allow instillation on 3 computers just like the music, which would mean altering their EUL.

Dec 20, 2003, 10:44 PM	#25
bousozoku Retired (Moderator emeritus) Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Gone but not forgotten.	Maybe this has something to do with the Purchase Mac OS X Software... Apple menu item that's been missing since Panther arrived. I only tried it once and I can't imagine anyone else using it much more than that. While Software Update does not sound exactly like the proper place, it's also doesn't sound completely wrong either.

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